It is important to know the dimensions of your pool table pockets. These determine how the ball bounces from the pocket. They vary in width depending on the type of table. American pool table pockets should have openings of between 4.5 inches and 4.625 inches. While the pockets in the corner and centre pockets should be approximately five to five and half inches, the pockets in the middle and corners should be at least five to six inches. The vertical angle of the pockets should be between 12-14°. English pool tables often have rounded pockets. This allows for better ball bounce and produces more challenging shots.
American pool tables have bigger pockets
American pool tables generally have larger pockets than English ones. Pockets on a standard American pool table are usually between three and four inches deep. This makes it easier to play fast with bigger balls. The American versions also feature pockets that are straight cut in the middle, instead of full corner pockets.
There is also a difference in the shape of American and English pools tables. The pockets on an American pool table are rectangular, whereas those on an English table are oblong. These shapes are determined according to the ball's distance from the pocket. The angle for the corner pockets is about two-thirds of the ball's width. The angle for the centre pockets is half an inch.
Due to the larger balls, an American pool table is much more efficient than an English pool one. Because English pool balls are smaller and more easily lost in the pockets, this is important. The higher contact point of the pocket pads means that English balls can react negatively to foreign balls. American-style tables feature wider pocket openings, making them ideal for competitive eight- and nine-ball matches.
Modern pool tables have the same size pockets
The table's size will impact the size of your pockets. For example, an 8' table will have a wider opening than a 4' one. American pool tables also use slightly different pocket shapes than their British and European counterparts. In America, the standard pocket is 142 degrees straight, while an English table features a more rounded shoulder and a more narrow entrance.
When buying a pool table, make sure to select one that is similar in size. Although the standard table size is seven feet, there are many variants of these tables. The table size of coin-op, bar and other tables is smaller than that, but these are extremely rare. The standard size pool table includes a droppocket and a balls return. The sizes of the pockets vary depending on the country and the era.
A pool table's materials can have a significant impact on its performance. American tables often feature thicker sectional slates. These are often made from two or three pieces of slate that have been sealed with special wax. English pool tables, however, are made of one piece slate and have a 21mm thickness.